South Sorong Allocates Rp300 Million for Prospective Hajj Pilgrims
South Sorong (ANTARA) - The South Sorong Regency government has allocated a budget of Rp300 million to support the departure of 20 prospective Hajj pilgrims this year.
South Sorong Regent Petronela Krenak in Sorong on Monday stated that this budgetary support represents the local government’s commitment, in partnership with the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, to facilitate the needs of the prospective Hajj pilgrims.
“The regency government, together with the province, is fully supporting the departure process of the prospective Hajj pilgrims. From South Sorong, we have already sent off the prospective pilgrims to the city of Sorong as the next departure point,” said Petronela.
She explained that this year, there are 20 prospective Hajj pilgrims from South Sorong who will be sent to the Holy Land. Despite the limited financial condition of the region, the government is still striving to provide maximum support.
She hopes that all prospective Hajj pilgrims from South Sorong can perform their worship well and return to the homeland in good health and safety.
In addition, her side is also continuing to push for an increase in the Hajj quota for South Sorong, given the high interest among the native Muslim community in Papua to fulfil the Fifth Pillar of Islam.
“Every year, we hope for an increase in the quota because the enthusiasm of the community is quite high, and interfaith life in South Sorong is very harmonious,” she said.
The Southwest Papua Provincial Government has also allocated a budget of Rp1.5 billion to support the departure of prospective Hajj pilgrims this year.
The assistance is provided in the form of financial support for prospective Hajj pilgrims and accompanying personnel. Each prospective pilgrim receives Rp2 million, while escorts receive Rp1.5 million.
The number of Hajj pilgrims from Southwest Papua and West Papua this year has decreased from 722 to 447 people. Specifically for Southwest Papua, there are 296 prospective Hajj pilgrims, including one member of the Regional Hajj Escort Team (TPHD).